Barbara
Grassmyer

Equestrian

Barbara Grassmyer was horse-crazy from an early age when her riding career began at a therapeutic riding center in Sunol, Calif. She competed in horse shows for the disabled throughout California and the United States. After serving as an alternate on the 2000 U.S. Paralympic Team, Beijing marked Grassmyer's debut in Paralympic Games competition. Her partner there was Mibis, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare. They have been together since 2004.

Grassmyer was born with Aperts Syndrome, a congenital birth defect which results in poor rotation of all joints, syndactylism of hands and feet, head and face anomalies caused by bone fusion in the skull and face and speech impediments.

Grassmyer is a graduate of Feather River College. When she is not riding or caring for her horse, or traveling to clinics and competitions, she enjoys reading and working as a nanny for her six nieces.

Major Achievements:

2008: U.S. Paralympic Team member, Equestrian - Beijing, China

2008: Third Place - USEF Para Equestrian National Championship

2007: Reserve Champion - USEF Para Equestrian National Championship

2007: Member of U.S. Para Equestrian Team - World Championships, Hartpury, England